Tusla apprentices celebrate graduating from University College Cork

More than 30 Tusla apprentices graduated from University College Cork (UCC) recently, the first cohort of the organisation’s social work apprenticeship programme.

Among the 42 graduates conferred with a masters of social work were 32 Tusla apprentices who are now eligible to register as social workers, joining frontline services supporting children, young people, and families across the country.

Developed in partnership with UCC under the national apprenticeship framework, the two-year social work apprenticeship programme was designed in response to growing workforce pressures and the need to expand the number of qualified social workers in Ireland.

The apprenticeship provided an alternative pathway into the profession, enabling participants to remain fully employed while undertaking the programme.

Practical experience

Alongside their academic studies, apprentices gained practical experience working within frontline social teams across the country.

Tusla is Ireland’s largest employer of social workers, with around 1,470 social workers employed.

Alongside the 32 apprentices who graduated, an additional 200 Tusla employees are currently undertaking the apprenticeship programme.

Tusla CEO Kate Duggan congratulated the graduates on their dedication, hard work and commitment in reaching the milestone.

“As an agency, we have seen first-hand the positive impact of this apprenticeship programme, both for the apprentices, and for our teams across the country,” Ms Duggan said.

“As the largest employer of social workers in Ireland, we know and value the vital role our social work professionals play in supporting and protecting children, young people, and families.

“These graduates will further strengthen our services and enhance outcomes for those who rely on our support.”

Tusla director of people and change, Rosarii Mannion, said the agency is“committed to continued investment in the programme as part of its strategy to increase the number of qualified social workers employed by Tusla and to help meet the growing demand for services”.

Minister for children, disability and equality, Norma Foley said this programme plays a vital role in building a sustainable, skilled workforce for social services across Ireland. She said the 2026 graduates have a variety of lived experiences.